Visas, passports, health and safety are important aspects of travel, especially for long-haul travellers who book at short notice. Be sure to check out your destination credentials before you set out, particularly if you’re off to ‘adventure’ destinations such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran. Check out the latest hurdles to get into the US or check out whether you need to have shots for your adventures in the Sahara. Most of the national foreign office websites, will allow you to register your details so you can stay alerted of changing circumstances in your holiday destination.

AirSafewww.airsafe.com - Air security and safety. Check safety records on the world's top airlines

Embassy Worldwww.embassyworld.com - Lost your passport in Timbuktu? Log on and find your nearest embassy (as long as you can find net access…).

Smartraveller www.smartraveller.gov.au - provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Officewww.fco.gov.uk - Whether you're off to Azerbaijan or Zimbabwe, check out what the Foreign Office has to say. Keep up to date whilst travelling with email alerts for countries you'll be visiting. Lists destinations it regards as unsafe for visiting, plus details of unsafe areas not on the banned list.